FitSugar

Puddle Divin' Waterproof Sneaks

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:49:15 PDT

Don't let Fall's wet weather and muddy trails stop you from running. You need a sneaker made for the elements to keep you dry, but constructed with materials that allow your hardworking feet to breathe and a sole that provides traction for darting over rocks and branches. Here are five waterproof trail runners you can hit the mud and puddles with.

Source: Thinkstock

Before Trail Running Alone, Read This

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:19:28 PDT

Running in the woods by yourself sounds a little dangerous - especially to your mom - but depending on where you live, your running ability, and your personalty, a solo run in the woods is the perfect idea. Here are some ways to ensure your safety when hitting the trails on your own.

Bring your dog: OK, so technically you're not alone if you bring your pooch, but if you're nervous about hitting the trails by yourself, a furry friend will offer you company and protection. Put a bell on the collar so the noisy jingle can help scare away critters.
Tell someone where you're going: If you saw the movie 127 hours, you know that the whole ordeal might have been prevented if he just told one person where he went. Pick up the phone on your way out the door and tell a close friend or relative where you're running and what time you should be back. Make a deal that you'll call, text, or email them once you return, and if you don't and they can't get in touch with you, they should seek out help. If you're heading out before anyone is up, leave a note with your route and ETA.

Keep reading for more solo trail running safety tips.

6 Trail Running Tips For Getting Started

Shape — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:13:17 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

You may have to hop over rocks and roots, but the benefits of trail running are well worth the effort. Running on uneven terrain burns more calories and helps improve your balance, agility, and coordination. Tina Vindum, the author of Tina Vindum's Outdoor Fitness, shared the following six trail running tips to make your transition to the trails a breeze.

Wear the Right Trail Running Shoes
If you're going to hoof it on a wood-chip or packed-dirt path, your regular running sneakers will do. But trail-running shoes provide more protection for your feet, and have lugged outsoles to improve your traction - key for rocky and slippery routes.

Check out the best women's running and athletic shoes for 2010 to find the right pair for you.

Start Slow and Flat
Trails work your leg muscles and ankle joints harder than roads or treadmills do, so begin on flatter paths and run for only 10 to 15 minutes during your first outing. Increase your time and/or distance by about ten percent each week.

Try training for a challenging hike to acclimate yourself to the uneven terrain with this simple hiking plan.

See more trail running tips after the break!

Get Your Run On: Two Trail Tips

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:50:23 PDT

I like running outside but usually on asphalt rather than dirt. This weekend, I hit the trails running with a buddy who almost exclusively runs in the woods. He took me on what he called a sweet trail (read: beginner level) with some technical elements (read: roots, rocks, and steep bits). I am happy he slowed to my pace since not tripping demanded a serious amount of concentration. I may have run more slowly than usual, but all those obstacles meant there was no chance for boredom to seep into my run.

The one bit of advice that really stuck with me, and that is applicable to hiking too, is don't step on rocks or roots; they could be unstable. You want your foot to land in the dirt between the rubble. Another memorable tip my trail running mentor shared with me is walking up steeps hills doesn't mean you wimped out. If you can walk up a steep incline at the same pace you can run it, then by all means walk - it's easier on your joints and means your legs will be less tired when you head down the other side.

I ended the run a bit mud splattered, sweaty, and wonderfully worked. Have any more tips for me next time I am out on the trail? Share them in the comments section below.

Flickr User TrailVoice

A Reader's Thoughts About Training For a Half Marathon

Fit Community — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:00:08 PDT

Here's a post that FitSugar reader Angelica contributed to our Get Fit For 2010 group.

I haven't decided whether I can commit to it for real just yet, but in the mean time, I'm running regularly and enjoying Summer on Bay Area trails. Okay, mostly walking. And then speeding up for a second and walking again. It's like interval training for snails, but it's a start. I mean, it's hard not to be inspired when it's this gorgeous out.

Share your fitness goals, advice, and encouragement in the Get Fit For 2010 community group. Be it losing weight, running a marathon, or eating a balanced diet - we're here to help and listen. And your posts might end up right here on FitSugar!

A Reader's Unexpected Motivation: Looking For a Lost Key

Fit Community — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:15 PDT

Check out how Beaner - a RunningSugar community member - found the motivation to go the extra mile on her last run.

I went running this afternoon in the woods by my house. I always keep my house key in my iPhone arm band, and I usually run twice around this 15-minute woods loop. Well, by the end of my second time around, I went to change the music on my phone and realized that my key was gone. So I decided to go around a third time, to look for the lost key. I ended up finding it towards the end of the third loop and not only was I psyched to be able to get back into my house, but I was also proud of myself for pushing myself to run an extra 15 minutes. From now on I think I'll do three loops instead of two. Just thought I'd share.

Way to go Beaner! If you have a motivational story about running, post it in the RunningSugar community group. Not a runner? Maybe you'd rather check out the Yoga Stretch and Tell community group or the Women That Rock (Climb) group, or if biking is more your thing, head over to the new group Sweet on Biking.

Tips For Going From Road to Trail

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:47:49 PDT

Now that the snow is finally behind most of us for the season, many of you may be moving your runs from the sidewalk or pavement to woodsy trails. Here are some tips for a smooth transition, and things to keep in mind when hitting the trails.

Invest in some sturdy trail running shoes. They support your feet so much better than basic sneakers. Plus, they're usually a little darker-colored, so they won't show mud as easily.
Start off on flat trails. The uneven terrain is hard enough to get used to without adding hills into the mix.
Pay attention to the ground. Rocks, fallen branches, and tree roots have thrown me to the ground many times. Luckily I only ended up with a few bruises and scrapes, but if you fall the wrong way, you could tear a muscle, twist an ankle, or sprain a wrist.
This may seem obvious, but avoid stepping in puddles or mud. If your feet get wet, it's a good way to end up with a painful blister.
Gradually add inclines and declines to your runs. If hills are steep and long, run as much as you can and don't be shy about walking when they get to be too intense for your glutes and quads. The more hills you run, the stronger your legs will become. When you're not running, you can also do these moves to strengthen your legs.

For other tips,

Gear Review: Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX Trail Runners

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:21 PST

For hardcore runners who won't let a little snow stop them from running outside, you need a waterproof sneaker that has a rugged sole. I tested out these Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX trail runners ($120), and was floored by how much I loved them.

Even in 20° F temps my feet stayed toasty warm, and after a 40-minute run through snow-covered woods trails, these shoes were completely dry. The upper part of the shoe is actually one seamless piece with the tongue attached, so no wind or wetness had any chance of getting to my feet. The rugged soles gave me incredible grip, even on slippery hills and uneven terrain. I really liked the way the shoe felt rigid and sturdy on my feet, which gave me a feeling of stability and strength. Another plus? I hardly felt like I was wearing anything since these trail runners are so lightweight. Although these retail for $120, I found them for $80 here.

If you've never tried Pearl Izumi sneakers on your tootsies, you're really missing out. Check out more pics below.

View 6 Photos ›

These Pearl Izumi trail runners definitely get a hearty double thumbs-up in my opinion. If you've used gear that you want others to know about, share it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Which Fall Activity Burns More Calories?

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:30:05 PST

Even though the days are shorter, there are still a lot of ways to burn calories in the crisp Fall air. But do you know which activities burn the most? Take my quiz to find out. All calorie calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

Take the Quiz

Another Reason to Trail Run: Increased Calorie Burn

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:00:00 PDT

I'm a huge fan of trail running for so many reasons. It's peaceful in the woods, all those hills are great for toning your quads and booty, the shade is cooler and protects you from UV rays, and the soft dirt is easier on your joints than pavement. I also love that unlike the gym, I don't have to wait in line or be tied to time limits, so I can run whenever I want for as long as my feet will carry me. Running in the woods also means I can bring my pooch along.

As if I needed another reason to love trail running, research shows that choosing the trail over the treadmill or pavement burns 10 percent more calories. That's because the terrain tends to be uneven, there are hills to conquer, and also obstacles to jump over. So if you've been loving the treadmill because you're trying to avoid the Summer heat, now is the perfect time to make the switch and hit the trails.